Condensate Size Control by Charge Asymmetry
Biomolecular condensates are complex droplets comprising many different types of molecules that interact using various mechanisms. Condensation is often driven by short-ranged attraction, but net charges can also mediate long-ranged repulsion. Using molecular dynamics simulations and an equilibrium...
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Zusammenfassung: | Biomolecular condensates are complex droplets comprising many different types
of molecules that interact using various mechanisms. Condensation is often
driven by short-ranged attraction, but net charges can also mediate long-ranged
repulsion. Using molecular dynamics simulations and an equilibrium field
theory, we show that such opposing interactions can suppress coarsening so that
many droplets of equal size coexist at equilibrium. This size control depends
strongly on the charge asymmetry between constituents, while the strength of
the short-ranged attractions has a weak influence. Our work reveals how
electrostatic effects control droplet size, which is relevant for understanding
biomolecular condensates and creating synthetic patterns in chemical
engineering. |
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DOI: | 10.48550/arxiv.2409.15599 |